Disability-Adapted Vehicle Manufacturers News and Trends

How to get cutting edge products for handicapped vehicles

Disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers have moved far beyond the standard wheelchair accessible vans and minivans to provide wheelchair users with more mobility options. Handicapped vehicles now include sedans and coupes as well as SUVs and trucks.

Accessories for mobility are also available from disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers. The latest news and trends in mobility accessories include ramps that are portable, flexible and have driving controls that require no vehicle alterations. Increasingly, wheelchair users are able to make any vehicle accessible through vehicle conversion systems for disabled persons.

Stay up-to-date on the news and trends in wheelchair accessible vehicles by investigating the following:

1. Look for improved options in customizability for handicapped vehicles;

2. Find a varied selection of disability vehicles equipped with innovative ramps and controls;

3. Stay current on the accommodations for disabled people using other forms of transportation.

 

Get more vehicle options from companies that sell disability vans

Handicapped vehicle manufacturers are increasingly offering more and more vehicle types with dropped floors, raised ceilings and door modifications to allow space for wheelchair access. Companies that sell disability vans now offer everything from hybrid sedans to SUVs with wheelchair access comparable to that of minivans and full-size vans.
Try: Freedom Motors (FMI) offers a wide range of vehicles and custom modifications of wheelchair users' own vehicles at no added surcharge. For wheelchair users who need more seating capabilities from disability vehicles, AMS Vans offers fold-down jump seats to increase traditional wheelchair accessible vans' seating capability. Get news about General Motors' newest wheelchair accessible vehicle at Autoblog, or check out Disabled Dealer Magazine for regional listings of adaptive equipment.

Use the newest ramps and driving controls from disability-accessible vehicle manufacturers

Cutting-edge wheelchair ramps from disability-accessible vehicle manufacturers can help wheelchair users gain access to all types of side-access and rear-access vehicles. Portable ramps are the best choice for wheelchair users to carry with them and use on their own, while more complex folding ramps provide many options for use with different vehicles and entries. Another one of the disability-accessible vehicle manufacturers' news and trends is the ability of wheelchair users to modify their steering and braking systems on their own without paying for modifications to their vehicle.
Try: 1-800-Wheelchair.com offers several models of folding ramps. LiteRamp sells portable ramps that are lighter weight and less expensive, which are useful for users of handicapped vehicle services who need to be able to lift and set up their own ramp. Sure Grip sells driving controls, including products like the left foot pedal, which do not permanently alter the vehicle and can be easily removed if necessary.

Stay informed about handicapped vehicle services for a range of transportation types

Personal vehicles are not the only modes of travel used by people with disabilities; handicapped vehicle services extend to public transportation and commercial air travel as well. The Americans with Disabilities Act, along with other legislation and regulations, guarantee certain rights to people with disabilities in need of accommodations while traveling. Before traveling, read up on the latest disability-adaptable news and trends.
Try: The Air Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Transportation offers information about accessibility for people with disabilities who will be traveling by airplane. The Federal Transit Administration publishes information about handicapped accessible vehicles and handicapped vehicle services available on public ground transit vehicles in the United States.

 

• Join a local or national network of mobility and access advocates to stay current on disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers news and trends, and to inform other wheelchair users about products and services that benefit them. Developments are constantly emerging in mobility technology, including improved materials that are lighter weight and more durable as well as functions that increase convenience.

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